Reece Puddington revealed his heart-breaking decision to thousands of followers on the page where he chronicled his courageous battle.

He can no longer face the gruelling treatment and going in and out of hospital and, with his loving family's support, has decided to let "nature take its course".

Reece, from Seasalter, Kent, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May 2008 and spent six years battling the cancer of the nervous system.

He has kept friends and family updated on his condition via Facebook since July 2011 and uploads photos of birthdays and gifts he has received from wellwishers.

But on Thursday Reece posted a devastating update explaining why he was going to stop any more treatment that could extend his life.

BRAVE: The tragic Facebook post that announced Reece's intention to die [MASONS]

He wrote: "As you know after the latest scan results I was sent home to rest and think over the two possible options.

"I could opt for another trial, but this would mean travelling a lot to the hospital and coping with the side effects, but could also hopefully extend my life, or I could simply do nothing, stay at home and let nature take its course which would lead to me lose my life slightly earlier than if I'd had more treatment.

"My mum had always hoped over the last five to six years that she would have the courage to know when enough was enough.

"After careful consideration, my mum thought that if she was doing it for herself she would keep sending me for treatment as she wouldn't want to let me go, but if she was doing it for me she'd let me go.

"Well, she's letting me go....."

Heartbroken mother Kay, 40, said: "The decision has been a breath of fresh air for Reece, not to have to go to the hospital means a lot to him.

CANCER: Reece, from Seasalter, Kent, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May 2008 [MASONS]